SABC Education is celebrating 30 years of expanding access to learning, empowering millions of South Africans through educational broadcasting across television, radio and digital platforms.
Established in 1996, just two years after South Africa’s first democratic elections, SABC Education was created to support the country’s education transformation by extending learning beyond the classroom. Its mandate was to democratise access to knowledge, support lifelong learning and help bridge the educational inequalities created during apartheid.
Over the past three decades, the division has grown into one of South Africa’s most influential educational broadcasters, producing programmes that have informed, inspired and empowered millions of viewers and listeners across the country.
Its programming has tackled literacy, numeracy, health, democracy, career guidance, youth development and social cohesion through iconic productions including Yizo Yizo, Soul City, Soul Buddyz, YO TV, Hectic Nine-9, Intersexions, Geleza Nathi, Matrics Reloaded, Higher Grade and Daily Thetha.
SABC Education has also made a lasting contribution to early childhood development through Takalani Sesame, which for more than 26 years has helped children develop literacy, numeracy and life skills while promoting multilingual learning across South Africa.
Beyond educational content, the division has helped launch the careers of many presenters who have become household names after appearing on programmes such as YO TV, Take 5, Shift, Hectic Nine-9 and Daily Thetha.
Its impact has been strengthened through partnerships with organisations including the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Independent Electoral Commission, the Government Employees Pension Fund, the Nal’ibali Foundation and the Soul City Institute.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SABC Education became the nation’s classroom, delivering curriculum support across television, radio and digital platforms to ensure millions of learners could continue their education despite school closures.
Today, the division continues to evolve through both traditional broadcasting and digital platforms. Its flagship drama, Skeem Saam, attracts more than five million viewers on weekday evenings, while the recently launched Our Space engages Generation Alpha through an interactive daily vodcast exploring issues affecting young South Africans.
Reflecting on the milestone, SABC Head of Genre – Education and Children, Jacqui Hlongwane, said SABC Education has become far more than a broadcaster.
“For 30 years, SABC Education has been South Africa’s classroom, a trusted source of knowledge and a catalyst for opportunity. We are proud of a legacy that has educated, inspired and raised a generation of South Africans. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we honour the millions of learners, educators, parents, producers and partners who have been part of our journey while reaffirming our commitment to delivering trusted, relevant, impactful and inclusive educational content that empowers future generations across television, radio and digital platforms.”
As SABC Education celebrates its 30th anniversary, its legacy continues to demonstrate the role public broadcasting can play in expanding educational opportunity, promoting social cohesion and empowering generations of South Africans.
